Wandering the cobblestone streets of bustling Bogotá, it may be easy to overlook the tiny restaurant Capital Cocina. Located in La Candelaria, a vibrant and historic neighborhood filled with hostels, university students, bars and street art, this restaurant serves one of the best steaks I’ve ever eaten — and for a huge bargain.

Upon returning the second night, the waiter recognized us and brought over a crispy baked potato chip appetizer with creamy dill yogurt and a spicy red pepper purée for dipping. The main event, the steak entree (Filete de Res: 26,000 pesos/ $10.24) is a hearty portion, perfectly tender and cuts with a butter knife — no steak knife necessary! That night it was served over a tasty mixture of sautéed snap peas, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms and onion. Accompanying the steak, a savory and flavorful homemade chimichurri sauce, consisting of sunflower oil, parsley, roasted garlic, paprika, pepper and a little lime.

We paired it with a glass of the house wine, a Chilean malbec (12,500 pesos/ $4.73), rounding out a delectable steak dinner in a cozy, upscale locale for less than $20 a person.

Capital Cocina y Cafe
Calle 10 #2-99
Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Telephone: 57201203420426